PNP forms special team to probe radioman’s slay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The local police created a special task group that will investigate the motive behind the killing of a local radio broadcaster in Pitogo town, Zamboanga del Sur.

The Pitogo Police Station formed the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Ordaniza” that will dig deeper on the gun slaying of Elvis Ordaniza, 49, a volunteer radio reporter of DXWO Power 99 FM, Tuesday night in Barangay Poblacion, Pitogo town.

Ordaniza was preparing dinner when he was shot and killed by two unidentified suspects.

READ: Radio reporter shot dead in Zamboanga del Sur

Based on the report of Police Inspector Orlyn Leyte to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9, they have asked the help of two members from the media, including the victim’s colleague, in the conduct of investigation.

Leyte reported that in their initial investigation, it was disclosed that Ordaniza, known to be a hard-hitting field radio reporter and block timer, was a former insurgent until 2000.

Ordaniza was an accredited member of the Kapisan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) engaged in radio commentaries, critical of issues and several personalities.

The victim was always tapped to be a media representative and witness during the inventory of confiscated items in drug buy-bust operations.

According to Leyte, Ordaniza also served as the person in-charge of the security of Mayor Richard Garban of Pitogo town and Mayor Jun Babasa of Bayog town.

Police forces are looking at work-related angle that resulted to the killing of Ordaniza due to his hard commentaries.

“The initial focus of the investigation being considered by SITG ‘Ordaniza’ is his being a hardline radio commentator of Power 99 FM,” PRO 9 quoted Leyte’s reports.

The Pitogo police has also coordinated with other law enforcement agencies in solving the murder case.